About 2,000 hospitality workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to strike if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is deployed at the venue during FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
On May 1, the union UNITE HERE Local 11, which represents the workers, demanded federal assurances that ICE will not be present during the eight matches scheduled at the stadium. Staff argue that ICE's presence would create an atmosphere of fear for themselves and fans.
"ICE should have no role in these matches," said Isaac Martinez, a cook at the stadium, speaking at a protest outside the venue. "We don't want to live in fear going to work, or fear of being detained going home. If no agreement is reached, my colleagues and I are ready to strike."
SoFi Stadium — officially known as Los Angeles Stadium during the tournament — will host eight World Cup games, including the U.S. team's opening match on June 12. It is the most expensive stadium in the world.
ICE is leading President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Human rights groups have condemned the agency for its conduct in raids across several U.S. cities, including Los Angeles last year. In early 2026, ICE agents fatally shot two American protesters in Minneapolis.
Workers also expressed concerns about FIFA's accreditation process, which requires staff to provide personal data before the tournament. "We demand that FIFA does not share our information with ICE, foreign governments or intelligence agencies," worker Yolanda Fierro said.
Protesters carrying soccer balls and signs reading "Kick ICE out of the World Cup" received support from Tom Steyer, a Democratic candidate for California governor. "ICE's job is border control," said the former financier-turned-politician. "Who can explain what that has to do with the World Cup? Nothing. How can we allow this agency to be present when we know they are a lawless threat to California workers?"
